Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 91:

In page 31, line 10, after "crews" to insert "or for environmental protection".

This amendment would change the wording to "ensuring the safety of vessels or their crews or for environmental protection". This relates to powers regarding the raising of sunken vessels.

Amendment No. 92 proposes to insert "salvaging a vessel of special cultural and historic importance". I was thinking, obviously, about the Asgard in that regard. The amendment would give the Minister powers in that area. The former Minister for Defence was addressing that issue and many people were disappointed that he decided not to salvage the vessel given the insurance situation etc. My amendment seeks to protect our maritime heritage by giving the Minister powers regarding a vessel of special cultural and historic importance, of which, thankfully, we have several.

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